Destination Wedding Guide: How to Plan a Hawaii Wedding

You might not think one of the wetter spots in the islands would rank so high on a dream-wedding list, but in the case of Princeville, looks trump weather. Perched on the cliffs of Kauai’s North Shore, the St. Regis offers world-class views of Hanalei Bay and the Bali Hai of 1958’s South Pacific. Add spot-on service and nobody’s going to mind a little morning drizzle.

Where it is -Several airlines offer nonstop service to Kauai from the mainland; once at Lihue Airport, you’ll drive about 45 minutes to Princeville. There’s a nearby market for picnics and provisions.

Meet the staff - Doubling as sales manager for the resort, Wendy Fisher has been coordinating destination weddings for a dozen years. She places emphasis on weaving local traditions into the day, from a slack-key guitar music to hula performances.

The looks department -While no boutique hotel (the 11 floors were built into a sea cliff), its towering glass windows help the St. Regis feel at home in its surroundings. A total renovation in 2009 erased the resort’s original Dynasty-era glitz and left a more organic design. And because construction here has been carefully controlled, the only thing blocking your view of the breakers might be a surfer toting his board.

Party spaces -If the weather’s fine, you can exchange vows cliffside at Hanalei Terrace, beside the infinity pool at the Bay Terrace, or at Kamani Cove, a beachfront lawn with mountain and waterfall views that doubles as a reception spot. Glass-paneled suites, terraced spaces, and ballrooms come into play if nature doesn’t cooperate. And should you want a luau, there’s a mai tai with your name on it at the poolside gazebo.

One More thing- While the St. Regis gladly customizes weddings, if you don’t want to bother with the details they also offer a package that wraps up an oceanfront ceremony for 20 guests (with officiant, musicians, photography, and flowers), dinner for the gang, a couple of nights in the Royal Suite, and assorted extras.

Thank you for your interest in Princeville at Hanalei News. For more information, including unique story angles or to request a press visit, please contact our public relations team at: PR@Princeville.com.